Texans embracing preseason changes to kicking game

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Jon Weeks’ job will barely change. Randy Bullock is up for the challenge. Bill O’Brien is intrigued by it all.

That’s the takeaway from the biggest alteration in NFL rules heading into the 2014 season, with goalpost uprights five feet taller and extra-point attempts moved back from the 2 to the 15-yard line.

The latter is by far the most dramatic difference. But it will only last for the initial two preseason games, as the league attempts to add more competition to point-after kicks – 99.6 percent were successful last season – but not make the attempts so difficult that they resemble field goals.

“I’m a believer in making the points worth something, if that makes any sense, so I think backing it up and doing it as an experiment in the preseason … is the right thing to do,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said Thursday.

Since 2013, punter Shane Lechler, longsnapper Weeks and placekicker Bullock have been in their own united world, focusing on strengthening the Texans’ kicking game, while the remainder of the team alternately succeeded and struggled.

Weeks and Bullock said the raised posts shouldn’t be an issue — a good kicker aims for the middle and fires away. Best case, the five extra feet will give referees more on-field evidence and remove lingering doubt from near-makes or –misses.

“In this league, we have great kickers,” O’Brien said. “Guys with strong legs, accurate kickers. And so, guys that can kick the ball high. And I think extending the uprights is the right thing to do, because that is a different call, whether it is from the camera angle or for the referee.”

The 33-yard extra point will place renewed emphasis on one-point precision, with sharp snaps and edge blocking paramount. The most immediate hurdle: Making sure everyone runs to the right spot after the Texans score their first touchdown of the O’Brien era.

“We remind coach O’Brien of that a little bit,” Bullock joked. “Because sometimes he lines everybody up and we’ve got to pull everybody back up. Just trying to keep everybody on the same page and make sure nobody ends up on the not-Top 10 (list), going where they don’t need to be.”

Bullock was a perfect 26-for-26 on extra points last season. His field-goal accuracy was less predictable, with the former Texas A&M kicker missing four of his initial five kicks and going 1-for-4 during a 27-24 home loss to Indianapolis on Nov. 23. Bullock locked in as the season wound down, though, converting 12 consecutive kicks to end the year.

“I finished the season strong last year,” Bullock said. “But last year is last year. I had some ups and downs and I learned from it.”

Lechler, 38, is the Texans’ punter as long as his leg remains in Hall of Fame shape. Bullock faces legitimate competition from undrafted rookie Chris Boswell (Rice), who has been active during camp and can back up Lechler if needed.

“Competition only makes you better,” Bullock said. “It’s pushed me and I’ve done well in training camp. I’m pleased with everything … and looking forward to the season, that’s for sure.”

As for rule changes that will last, the attention-grabber is stricter emphasis upon illegal contact. Defenders cannot initiate action against eligible receivers more than five yards from the line of scrimmage while a quarterback holds the ball in the pocket.

For defensive-proud secondary members in a pass-happy league, another restriction is another frustrating limitation.

“You can’t let that take you out of your game, the way you play,” Texans safety Jawanza Starling said. “You’ve just got to be smart and try to avoid penalties the best you can. But in the end, you’ve got to play football.”

Other 2014 rule changes: Recovery of a loose ball in play is reviewable; referees will consult with the league’s officiating department in New York during replay reviews; the game clock will run following a QB sack, outside of two minutes; roll-up block protection applies to the side of defenders; unsportsmanlike conduct, including taunting and excessive celebrations, will be highly monitored.